Celebs talk about the singer-performers they wish to emulate

There’s a lot of singing and loving in GMA 7’s rom-com series “My Guitar Princess.” We asked its cast what songs they listen to and talk about the performers they wish to emulate. And if they’re given a chance to meet their singing idols and ask them one question, what would it be? Their answers:

JULIE ANNE SAN JOSE

Julie Anne San Jose

I listen to a lot of songs and musical genres, but I enjoy listening to Sabrina Claudio because I find her voice soothing and sexy.

I also love listening to Beyoncé because of her powerful voice and striking stage presence. She’s just a great performer who also dances so well. If I get to meet her, I’d ask her, “How to be you? How do you do it? Teach me your ways, master! (laughs)”

SHERYL CRUZ

Sheryl Cruz

I listen to OPM classics and EDM. Two of the singers who inspire me a lot are Sharon Cuneta and Kuh Ledesma. Just listening to them inspires me because they sing from the heart. They’re very soulful, and you can feel genuine emotions… na para talagang may pinaghuhugutan sila, at naiintindihan mo ang pinagdadaanan nila.

My question for them: What’s the secret to your longevity?” But I think I have the answer to that. They’re very grounded, and they know how to connect with their fans. So whatever songs or projects they come up with, they’re always after the best interest of their fans. You don’t get tired of them.

GIL CUERVA

It’s weird, but I feel more human when I listen to sad songs, maybe because they bring out distinct emotions from me. The melancholy is real.

I want to emulate John Legend, who’s bigger than his music. Also, as a person, he’s not too preoccupied about how his career is going. He’s very much aware of the issues affecting the world.

My favorite singer is Adele. I would ask her, “How can you sing like that? How does one person reach those notes and make everyone feel emotional just by listening to your music?”

KIKO ESTRADA

Kiko Estrada

I listen to The Weeknd and Coldplay. I want to emulate my costar, Julie Anne, because she’s really good and her voice is very powerful. I’d ask her, “How do you think of your lyrics?”

ISABELLE DE LEON

Here’s my playlist: “Lullaby” by The Cure and “Birds” by Neil Young. Among local artists, I listen to Sampaguita because she isn’t just prolific as a songwriter (especially her tandem with Gary Perez), she’s also a great performer. In the ‘70s, her music was bold at a time when there weren’t enough female rockers around. Then, there’s also Joan Baez.

Janis Joplinis known for her quote,“I make love to thousands of people, but I go home alone.” I’d like to ask her about that. Curious lang ako what she was going through when she said that. Despite her fame and success, she felt empty.

JAZZ OCAMPO

Jazz Ocampo

My “go to” songs these days are “Say Amen” by Panic! At the Disco and “Done for Me” by Charlie Puth. I look up to Beyoncé and Jennifer Lopez because they aren’t just good vocalists, they’re also total performers. So, I’d ask Beyoncé how she manages to sing and dance perfectly, and how her vocals are so strong even while she’s dancing. How does she do it?